This statement was delivered by Ms. Fernanda de Carvalho, our Advocacy Committee member for PAHO, at the Seventy-Sixth Session of the WHO Regional Committee for the Americas
SEVENTY-SIXTH SESSION OF THE REGIONAL COMMITTEE FOR THE AMERICAS
AGENDA ITEM 4.4
Honourable Chair,
Distinguished Delegates,
The World Heart Federation commends the World Health Organization and its Member States for their Plan of Action for Strengthening Information Systems for Health 2024 – 2030.
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the key role of health data in understanding disease spread, identifying vulnerable populations, assessing needs, and evaluating clinical as well as public health interventions. Robust data and information serve as a foundation for evidence-based decision-making, effective health strategies, and resilient as well as responsive health systems.
Nonetheless, insufficient coordination and alignment have led to fragmented data and efforts in the Americas region and globally. In response, WHF has developed its World Heart Observatory, a knowledge hub that curates and visualizes data on cardiovascular conditions, risk factors, and health systems, transforming health data into actionable knowledge for policymakers, researchers, clinicians, implementers, health advocates, and people with lived experience.
Digital health interventions, such as telehealth, mobile apps, wearable devices, and electronic decisions-support tools, among others, also hold immense potential to improve access and outcomes, as well as reduce costs. The WHF Roadmap for Digital Health in Cardiology outlines strategies that can be adapted at the regional and national levels to overcome barriers and leverage digital tools to improve cardiovascular prevention, management, and care.
WHF urges Member States to adopt and implement the proposed resolution, supported by strong leadership, governance, and policies to ensure data harmonization and interoperability regionally and globally.
Thank you.
